Michael Kornitas

Rutgers University is one of the oldest and largest institutions of its kind in the USA, with over 70,000 students, and about 30 million square feet of property on its three main campuses and in many other locations across New Jersey. It operates a dedicated transit system which is the second in size in the state after New Jersey Transit. While the University has a long track record of effective energy management of its facilities, there was a growing recognition for a comprehensive strategy for the University to develop a comprehensive Climate Action Plan. This was completed in 2021 after intensive and collaborative efforts by a team representing all disciplines at the university and key stakeholders from the State and surrounding communities. This Plan sets the ambitions target for the University to be carbon-neutral in its own operations by 2040 and carbon-positive in 2041 for the 275 anniversaries of the University’s founding. The Plan also recognizes its critical role to be a resource to it host cities, the State, and beyond to enable them to meet equally challenging energy and climate targets. This institutional role includes being both a successful example of large-scale climate action within its own facilities and adapting and extending its research and curriculum to serve the knowledge and workforce needs of the global energy transition.

Michael’s presentation will focus on the actions currently underway and review the future steps that will be needed to create successful pathway to a carbon-positive University in a little under two decades.